Attorney Spotlight: Get to Know Benjamin William Perry
October, 2020 - United States of America
When did you join the firm?
August 2014
In which office are you located?
Nashville, Tennessee
Tell us a little about your practice.
I primarily handle all types of financial services litigation matters, but I also dabble in general business litigation and regulatory compliance matters when the opportunity arises. I often have clients come to me with a variety of issues, such as general COVID-19 risk management questions, negotiations over the sale of a business, entertainment contract negotiations with potential business partners, immigration issues, or just general compliance with state and federal law. In those cases, I consult with the firm’s resident expert of that particular practice area while staying heavily involved in the day-to-day handling of the matter to ensure client satisfaction and expand my areas of expertise. On the pro bono side, among other one-off matters, I am involved in a program representing women who are seeking orders of protection from abuse and another project partnering with the Tennessee Innocence Project to determine whether to represent and provide post-conviction relief for individuals asserting they were wrongly convicted of a crime. In addition, I am working to start a new pro bono program partnering with a local Tennessee non-profit to provide criminal defense representation to indigent defendants.
Why did you want to become an attorney?
Because my dad wanted me to be a doctor. It only took one organic chemistry class in college to nix that idea for good, and I fell back onto my greatest strength – arguing a point until the other side concedes either because I was right or out of sheer exhaustion. I could not be happier with my choice of professions, because attorneys have a unique opportunity to effect positive change in society in a variety of ways and to help people craft creative solutions to all sorts of problems.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month reminds me of the vast opportunities that are available for hard-working immigrants and their descendants. My grandfather was born in Mexico City and moved to the United States shortly before my mother was born. Although he was already a licensed physician in Mexico, he had to become licensed all over again in order to practice here. Based on his journey, I have become involved in pro bono DACA work and wish to develop more of an expertise in immigration law.
